" When do you expect to do it ? " Alice asked, feeling very much inclined to laugh.

"When I fasten my shawl again," the poor Queen groaned out: " the brooch will come un­done directly. Oh, oh!" As she said the words the brooch flew open, and the Queen clutched wildly at it, and tried to clasp it again.

"Take care ! " cried Alice. " You're holding it all crooked ! " And she caught at the brooch ; but it was too late: the pin had slipped, and the Queen had pricked her finger.